Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-Beacon) has secured $150,000 for a major rehabilitation of South Avenue Park in Beacon.

Work is already underway at South Avenue Park, a shady park with athletic courts and a playground nestled between the Beacon Recreation Department and the main thoroughfare of 9D.

“This park is so important to the residents of Beacon, and there are kids playing every time I come here,” Jacobson said during his remarks at the construction site. “I’m excited to bring this special funding to Beacon. The city always pulls together to make the most of any extra money I bring back from Albany.”

Jacobson joined Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou, City Administrator Chris White, and Recreation Director Mark Price, along with members of the City Council and project contractors, for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Beacon’s Recreation Director laid out details of the ambitious project, which include restoration of the basketball and tennis courts, energy-efficient LED lighting, a permanent restroom facility, regrading and drainage work, and landscaping.

“Our summer basketball league that serves 200+ kids starts in early July, so the goal is to be ready for basketball season,” Price said. “When it’s done, it’ll look like a brand-new park.”

Jacobson secured $150,000 of the approximately $890,000 needed for the park’s rehabilitation.

“As Jonathan well knows, the trick to making the city work is finding funds other than the property tax dollars of our city,” said Mayor Kyriacou. “The Assemblyman has been exceptional in helping us get those dollars – whether it’s for this park or others, our Fire Department, or solar panels. We’re immensely grateful for that.”